I've privately messaged Michelle in the past, but it's been 2 years and I would like to thank everyone involved in getting Seppel out here to Oregon. I never had a chance to say thank you, mostly on my part for choosing to leave the board, but it's been two years now and if anyone is still around checking this place - I wanted to say Thank You.

Before Seppel my Pit Bull experience was with friend's dogs and dogs at the clinic. I have liked the breed, but was never really interested in having a strong willed dog. I always thought herders would be my thing. I wanted to take Seppel because Christine was a good friend and helped me out with Sofie's chemo, I figured feeding her dog and caring for him would be a small price to pay in order to pay her back for the kindness she showed me.

Originally I wasn't sure what I was going to do with him other than feed him and love him. In May of 2012 I met Diane Jessup [it is what it is ], and brought Seppel out to watch her and a few friends do some training and I introduced Seppel to the sport of IPO [Schutzhund].

The end of the summer of 2012 we started training IPO down in Salem with an IPO Judge and her brother who has been doing helper work since he was 14 [he's 33 now]. August of 2012 Seppel earned his CGC.

In June of 2013 Seppel had FHO surgery on his right hip. He was dysplastic on the right side and being active was causing him pain. The point of the surgery wasn't so he could continue to do IPO, it was just to make him comfortable so I could wear him out. He's completely returned to his normal self now 7 months out from surgery and I couldn't be happier with the results.

I have a blog that talks about the beginning and our adventures inbetween:lifewithseppel.blogspot.com

I really appreciate the group effort to have him flown out to Oregon. He has absolutely changed my life - I love the Pit Bull dog and it is the breed I will be sticking with. I have learned SO SO much by having him. He's fairly high energy, we alternate playing ball and running on the treadmill for exercise. He also really loves the flirt pole! He's not super dog aggressive but I don't make it a point to introduce him to other dogs. He would definitely eat a small dog without question. He gets along with Seth and LiLo my other two dogs very well, but I don't leave them home alone together [they are crated separately]. He's also been fine with my cat, but I don't leave them in a room alone together - again as a precaution.

I just wanted to say THANK YOU!!!!! Seppel has been an awesome dog to have, I love him to pieces and I feel so lucky to have him. It wouldn't be possible without this board.

I think Christine would be very happy to know that Seppel is with you! I am not on here much and I am sad to see this forum is so quiet these days.

But Seppel is a lucky dog to be with you. You have given him a great life and he is much loved. I always enjoy hearing about him, he's a good boy. So a big thank you to you too for agreeing to take him in!